Your Federal Employee Rights Amid Recent Executive Actions

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I'm Attorney Justin Schnitzer. Our commitment is to represent federal employees in cases of employment violations just as we would want to be represented, all with the aim of achieving decisive victories.

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What is a Hostile Work Environment for Federal Employees?

Read Time: 4 min read

A hostile work environment refers to a workplace where harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior makes it difficult for an employee to perform their job. This includes unwanted conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive, or uncomfortable atmosphere. Federal employees, like their private sector counterparts, have the right to work in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and hostility. However, the unique nature of federal employment brings its own set of challenges and protections when it comes to addressing hostile work environments. …

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What is the Federal Retirement Age for Federal Employees?

Read Time: 6 min read

Federal employees often look forward to enjoying the government’s generous retirement package. However, determining the exact retirement age for federal employees can be complex, as it depends on various factors such as the type of retirement system, years of service, and individual circumstances. This article will explore the intricacies of federal employee retirement, helping you understand when you might be eligible to retire and what factors to consider in your retirement planning. When Can Federal Employees Retire? The retirement age …

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As a Federal Employee Can You Sue Your Employer?

Read Time: 6 min read

Working as a federal employee provides many benefits, such as job security, competitive salaries, and access to various employee protections. However, like any other job, disputes and conflicts can arise between federal employees and their employers. In such a case, you may wonder, can a federal employee sue their employer? At The Law Office of Justin Schnitzer, we understand that navigating the complexities of federal employment law can be challenging. As an experienced federal employment law firm, we assist federal employees in protecting …

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Lack of Candor Definition, Examples, and Federal Employee Rights

Read Time: 5 min read

Federal employees have an important role to play in the operation of our government. Thanks to their dedication, all the government services we take for granted keep running effectively. As such, public officials deserve protection from baseless or false accusations. To address misconduct by civil servants, government agencies weigh various disciplinary measures. They may contend that the targeted employee is guilty of falsification or turn to a vague charge: that the employee’s actions exhibited a “lack of candor.” Such an allegation …

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What are the Douglas Factors?

Read Time: 6 min read

Federal employment law is a distinct area requiring a nuanced understanding of regulations and procedures. As a government worker, certain rights are afforded you when your agency proposes disciplinary action against you. Among the elements you must understand are the Douglas Factors, a set of criteria your agency must follow before taking adverse action against you. Ultimately, you want to demonstrate that you don’t deserve punishment or that the proposed penalty is excessive by responding and contesting the proposed discipline. …

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How to Handle a Letter of Reprimand [Federal Employees]

Read Time: 6 min read

As one of the largest employers in the country, the United States government has certain policies and procedures in effect to protect their employees that differ from the private sector. While federal employees can be reprimanded or fired, there are more protections in place to protect federal employees than their private sector counterparts have, and specific steps must be taken before a government employee can be demoted, dismissed, or fired.  As a federal employee, it is then important that you …

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Conduct Unbecoming Charges for Federal Employees

Read Time: 6 min read

Federal employees uphold a high standard of professional behavior. The rules are clear cut and reputation is important. Therefore, a false accusation of conduct unbecoming a federal employee can be devastating. This non-specific charge can place a black mark on your spotless career, which is why it is important to immediately assess the situation and prepare a legal defense. Conduct Unbecoming Charges for Federal Employees Federal agencies must charge an employee with misconduct in order to take adverse action. There …

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The Disciplinary Appeals Board (DAB) Process for VA Employees

Read Time: 7 min read

What is the VA Disciplinary Appeals Board? The Disciplinary Appeals Board is a specialized three-person panel that reviews disciplinary actions against certain VA healthcare professionals. It specifically addresses allegations related to professional competence or patient care, evaluating whether employees demonstrated misconduct or incompetence according to their professional standards of practice rather than general employment standards. Legal Framework and Authority The DAB process operates under Title 38 of the U.S. Code, establishing a separate set of rules for VA healthcare workers that differ from the …

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What are Federal Employees’ Union Rights?

Read Time: 6 min read

When your agency announces a policy change or you’re called into what feels like a disciplinary meeting, understanding your union rights becomes suddenly vital. Understanding federal employee union rights is essential for navigating today’s dynamic federal workplace environment. Federal employee unions represent approximately 1.2 million government workers across various agencies, serving as a key shield in workplace disputes and negotiations. For federal employees, these union protections can substantially impact job security, working conditions, and representation during disciplinary actions. However, with each change …

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Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) for Federal Employees

Read Time: 6 min read

Receiving notification of a Performance Improvement Plan can feel like your federal career is suddenly at risk. That moment when your supervisor hands you a PIP document often triggers immediate anxiety about your future. This article focuses on understanding the performance improvement plan federal government process—what it entails, your rights throughout the process, and effective response strategies to protect your career. What is a performance improvement plan federal government? A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) in the federal government is a formal document and process designed to help …

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